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• polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer films. Piezoelectric device research focuses on the complex integration of novel materials with electronics for sensing and control. For example, a micro-scale energy converter, based on acoustic resonance principles, integrates the elec- tronics for power conversion and control together with the piezoelectric devices. Ultra-precise positioning systems, actuators, sensors and motion controllers are principal components of instru- ments such as critical-dimension measurement tools, pro- filometers, scanning probe microscopes, optical micro- scopes, nano-automations and robots. There are tools used in manufacturing and test operations that involve ultra-precision machining, inspecting and testing of parts. Future research trends will be divided between upsizing in space structures and downsizing in office equipment. Further downsizing will also be required in medical diag- nostic applications such as blood test kits and surgical catheters. Key development trends will be integration and hybridization. Piezoelectric thin-films compatible with silicon technology will be much of the focus in micro- electromechanical systems. Global Market Markets for piezoelectric ceramics, polymers and ceram- ic/polymer composites have been expanding. New appli- cations have been emerging for piezoelectric devices, which include actuators, ultrasonic motors, sensor arrays for structural health monitoring, transformers and micro energy harvesting devices which are an alternative to bat- teries in microwatt devices. Other new applications include high resolution ultrasonic medical imaging, com- puter disk drives, and accelerometers in mobile phones and notebooks. Growth in the piezoelectric devices market continues to be driven by increasing demands in camera phones for autofocus mechanisms, piezo-transformers, data storage, semiconductors, microelectronics production, precision mechanics, life science and medical technology, optics, photonics, nano-metrology, robots, toys, HVAC control systems, hand held consumer electronic devices, automo- tives sensors, ultrasonic transducers for medical imaging and non-destructive testing and vibration related applica- tions, structure health monitoring, ultrasonic welding and cleaning, ceramic resonators for mobile phones and devices used for information and communication tech- nologies. Sonars for military and civil uses and other applications constitute an established market. Unlike other piezo devices, commercialization of piezo- electric-operated actuators and motors is likely to proceed Systems; the Advanced Swimmer Delivery System (ASDS). EDO also supplies a full range of LF and HF transducers for underwater commu- nications Email: sales@ edoceramic.com, Web: www.edoceramic.com EPCOS AG Epcos’ product range includes piezo actuators, resonators, surge arresters and switching spark gaps, sensors and sensor systems, ther- mistors, varistors, and a wide range of multilayer ceramic components. Email: webmaster@ epcos.com Web: www.epcos.com Materials Systems Inc. MSI designs and manufactures custom sonar transducers and arrays. MSI’s piezocomposite technology offers extremely broad bandwidth, high receive sensitivity, high source levels, conformability for curved arrays, and reduced side lobes. The technology has enabled several of the most advanced sonar systems available today. MSI is an ISO 9001 company. Email: info@ matsysinc.com Web: www.matsysinc.com Morgan ElectroCeramics Ltd. Morgan Electroceramics’ products include ultrasonic transducers, ultra- sonic cleaning, ultrasonic therapy, dental descalers, pre-stressed tubes, ultrasonic sensors, accelerometers, blood pressure sensors, air-in-line sensors (bubble detectors), integrated sensors, fuel level sensors, pas- sive piezo sensors, wheel balancing equipment, and impact sensors. Email: ruabon.sales@ morganplc.com Web: www.morganplc.com MURATA Murata's ceramic processing technology and unique piezoelectric mate- rial has led to the development of a line of small and thin ceramic res- onators, "CERALOCK," that offer high oscillation frequency and remark- able oscillation tolerance. These products are designed for use as a sta- ble timing source for microprocessors. Physik Instrumente PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P., is the US operation of Physik Instrumente (PI) GmbH & Co. KG. PI designs and manufactures nanometer-level motion control products, piezo actuators and systems, power amplifiers and drivers, and controllers for PZT actuators/systems. Email: marth@ pi.ws Web: www.pi-usa.us Piezo Systems, Inc. Piezo Systems specializes in manufacturing bending and extending ele- ments. Piezo Systems’ bending actuators are employed in piezo valves, choppers, modulators, fans, tunneling microscopes and soil testers. The company’s bending sensors are used in implantable pacemakers and industrial equipment. Email: sales@ piezo.com Web: www.piezo.com Piezosystem jena GmbH Products include piezoelectric actuator-based positioning systems which include nano- and micro-positioning, piezo actuators and nano stages, as well as positioning equipment for customized special systems. . Email: usa@ piezojena.com Web: www.piezojena.com www.seadiscovery.com Marine Technology Reporter 35 Companies Serving this Market (cont)
